mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm How to pronounce mettlesome (audio)
Definition of mettlesomenext
1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
  1. energetic
  2. fiery
  3. animated
  4. spirited
  5. lively
  6. spunky
  7. animate
  8. passionate
Adjective
  • Manzambi is seen as dynamic, energetic, a strong ball-carrier and importantly, versatile.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Thanksgiving always has produced an interesting dynamic with five tall, energetic kids circling for a turkey leg.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • As important and inspiring as any is the one camouflaged by Fred Warner’s business-as-usual, ultra-fiery demeanor.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Miami settled for a 2-2 tie in a physical, fiery game that ended with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia phenom, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, ejected with red cards in the 12th minute of stoppage time, just before the final whistle.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • The animated family adventure should dig up about $20 million for Paramount through the weekend.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Aaron Pierre brings the character to life after years of comic book and animated stories.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • Reeve and Cunningham were seen having a spirited conversation at half-court before the game, though both declined to detail the specifics of their talk with media.
    — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The one-off 200-Ah 72-V battery pack is said to be suitable for spirited performance both in the city and on freeways.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirited
Adjective
  • Back at the hotel, rotating art, live performances, wellness programming, and seasonal events keep things lively.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • People have flocked there from California, Washington and Oregon, taking advantage of Boise's lower cost of living, relatively mild winters, and lively outdoor scene.
    — CJ Haddad,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • The group consists of levelheaded leader Blossom, sweet-natured Bubbles, and spunky Buttercup.
    — Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • As for her birth story, Lockwood says her smart and spunky 5-year-old daughter knows it all.
    — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of spunky
Adjective
  • To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026
  • Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
Definition of animate
Adjective
  • The president of the new campus is Tamekia Morris, a passionate advocate for getting more women into skilled trades.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of passionate

Browse Nearby Words

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mettlesome
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Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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